Erlandson Performance had a spring kit for the auto clutch Yamahas like the Big Bear 350, the 400 Big Bear, and the Wolverine, the part number was WE391001.I got it in, took the side cover off the motor, and immediately saw a problem, the EPI springs were less than half the length of the stock ones, and a lot stiffer,no way to stretch them in place. I called EPI, they assured me the kit was correct, verified the spring color and length, and said it should work no problem. I finally took a picture of the clutch with one of their springs laying next to the stock one, and emailed it to them. Called the rep back later that day, she talked to another department there, and when I asked about what to do, after a little pause, she said, we're going to have you send it back. My question to her was, did you actually test this in the Wolverine, or just assume it would work because it was a 350 like the Big Bear? She claimed I was the first one to ever call back and say it didn't work, but if that was so, why didn't they back that up after I sent the picture? Has anyone else on the forums put the EPI kit in a Wolverine? or was I just unlucky ?

 

I have a set in mine...2001 and they were the same length as the OEM's, but stiffer.

There is definitely a difference between my primary clutch and the 95 Wolv. 95Wolverine and myself were putting our motors back together at the same time and he was telling me about drilling holes in his weights. When he described to me where he was drilling, I knew my weights had to be different. I sent him a pic of my weights and sure enough, my 2001's were different.

From what you're describing with the springs, I would expect the whole geometry must be different too...thus the difference in spring lengths. Just a thought.

 

It really is amazing how a small change from year to year can make a huge difference. It's not a big deal until you tear into something.... Hope it all works out.

 

Great... I've got a kit laying in the shop - just waiting to be put on....

Hey hey hey.. just remembered I have a spare clutch assembly in a box - less two springs - I'll go measure that one and see if it'll work as I know they are the same.

Back later with my findings.....

Findings: Man, am I glad I read this thread. Went down to check the old clutch and new springs. Will NOT FIT!

I would have been a bit upset to have pulled the cover like 95Wolv to find this. I'll be calling EPI Monday to get some change back. I had hopes of this making a big difference for low throttle operation between boulders for altitude riding - Plan B?

 

Glad I could "help" 95Wolverine, I was really looking forward to a little more low end grunt,too. My stock set up seems to grab right off idle,even with drilled clutch weights, this doesn't let the motor get any power built up before taking off, which I was trying to fix with the kit. I wonder when Yamaha decided to switch? probably found out it was cheaper to put a common part from the Big Bear and Kodiak on than keep making the old one !! EPI must have used a newer Wolverine to make their kit which would explain the rep's confusion that my clutch wouldn't work with their kit. Maybe us older model Wolverine owners should see if we can get them to make a kit for us,there are still plenty of us out there !!

 

You are likely right about the commonality for multiple bikes... in the end, we get screwed on aftermarket parts. BLAH.

I called EPI, and asked for Tech Support - told them I had a '95 and she instantly told me to contact my seller and have them take it back - if they question it, to give them her name. No fight what-so-ever. Said it was a misprint. Darnit.